What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
AMD is one of the leading causes of vision loss among those 50 years of age and older. AMD damages the macula, which is a small spot near the center of the retina – and is responsible for sharp central vision, allowing us to see objects that are straight ahead clearly.
In some cases, AMD can advance very slowly, while in other cases it progresses faster leading to vision loss in one of both eyes in a short amount of time. AMD eventually creates an area of blurred vision that grows larger over time, or causes blank spots in your central vision.
AMD will not cause complete blindness. However, the loss of central vision can interfere with many normal activities such as driving, reading, writing and doing any work that utilized close up vision.
Who is at Risk for AMD?
Age is the biggest risk factor for AMD, as it typically affects those 50 years of age and older.
Other risk factors:
- Smoking – can double the risk of AMD
- Race – AMD is more prevalent among Caucasians
- Family history – if there is AMD in your family, you are at greater risk
How is AMD Detected?
Early and intermediate AMD typically present little to no symptoms, so a complete dilated eye examination is critical in early detection.
Annual eye examinations with your ophthalmologist are important, particularly if you are at risk for AMD because of your age, family history, race or lifestyle choices such as smoking. Early detection of age-related macular degeneration is vital, as it improves the prognosis and allows for possible treatments that can delay or reduce the severity of the disease.
